The murder trial against three police officers who were arrested in connection with the killing of Nathaniel Julies has been postponed at the South Gauteng High Court sitting at the Palmridge Magistrate Court.
The three officers – Scorpion Ndyalvane, Caylene Whiteboy and Voster Netshiongolo – made a brief appearance today before their case was postponed for a pretrial hearing.
They are accused of shooting of the 16-year-old teen who had down syndrome in Eldorado Park, just few meters from his home in the aftermath of a service delivery protest in 2020.
Ballistic experts revealed that Julies was struck by 189 pellets from a shotgun bullet, but the officers allegedly staged the crime scene to make it look like he was caught in the crossfire during gang-related violence.
The trial which had already heard testimonies from few witnesses will have to be start afresh following the death of Judge Ramarumo Monama in February.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwana said it was necessary to start the trial afresh to benefit all the parties involved.
“Starting the trial afresh it is a necessary move and it will benefit both parties, it will also place the judge in a better position,” Mjononsaid.
She said the matter was postponed to determine the state of readiness for both parties, the defense and the prosecution. Louw has pleaded with the family to cooperate with the court again.
Indications are that the actual trial will get under way on October 3 and is set to go on until December 2, 2022.
“We understand that the family wants justice to be served,” she said.
“It is also our wish as the NPA to bring this matter to finalisation as soon as possible, but unfortunately some of the things that happened in this trial were unforeseeable.
“We request the family cooperation once again, unfortunately some of the things are beyond our control as the NPA.”
